SMU Edges Wake Forest in Defensive Battle to Stay Perfect in ACC Play

SMU traveled to Winston-Salem and secured a hard-fought 12-10 victory over Wake Forest on Saturday. The win improves the Mustangs’ record to 6-2 overall and a perfect 4-0 in Atlantic Coast Conference action. A dominant defensive performance and a crucial second-half touchdown run sealed the narrow road win.

The victory keeps SMU firmly in the hunt for the ACC championship. According to The CW broadcast, the Mustang defense was the story, relentlessly pressuring Wake Forest throughout the contest.

Defensive Stands Define SMU’s ACC Road Victory

The SMU defense delivered a masterclass. They held the Wake Forest offense to just 74 total yards in the first half. The defensive line was particularly disruptive, consistently generating pressure and stuffing the run.

The unit came up with a monumental stop on a fourth-and-one in the third quarter. It was the fourth consecutive game the Mustang defense has forced a turnover on downs in a short-yardage situation. This key stop shifted the game’s momentum entirely in SMU’s favor.

Wake Forest’s only touchdown came from a short field after an SMU fumble. Outside of that gift, the Demon Deacons’ offense was completely stifled. The Mustangs controlled the line of scrimmage from start to finish.

Offense Does Just Enough to Secure Win

The SMU offense struggled for much of the game. They managed only 10 total yards on their first five drives. A slow start put pressure on the defense to keep the game within reach.

The offense finally found a spark following the critical fourth-down stop. Running back Shaddie Clayton-Johnson punched in a six-yard touchdown run to give SMU its first lead. The Mustangs never relinquished that lead, despite a blocked extra point.

Quarterback Kevin Jennings faced constant pressure from the Wake Forest front. The offense ultimately did what was necessary, controlling the clock in the final minutes to seal the important conference win.

The Mustangs’ undefeated ACC record remains intact thanks to a relentless defensive effort. This SMU victory proves the team can win tough conference games on the road.

Info at your fingertips

What is SMU’s current ACC record?

With the win, SMU improved to 4-0 in the ACC. They are one of the few remaining undefeated teams in conference play.

Who scored the game-winning touchdown for SMU?

Running back Shaddie Clayton-Johnson scored the decisive six-yard touchdown in the third quarter. His run gave the Mustangs a lead they would not give up.

How did the SMU defense perform?

The defense was exceptional, holding Wake Forest to minimal yardage. They also forced a critical turnover on downs in the second half that led directly to SMU’s touchdown.

What does this win mean for SMU’s season?

This road victory solidifies SMU as a serious contender in the ACC. Remaining undefeated in conference play is a significant achievement at this stage.

When is SMU’s next game?

The Mustangs’ next opponent has not been specified in the available information. Their schedule continues with ACC conference play.

Trusted Sources

The Associated Press, ESPN, The CW Network.